Sedation Dentistry

SPA Dental Group

Cosmetic Dentistry & General Dentistry located in Midtown East, New York, NY & Downtown DC, Washington, DC

It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous about having a dental procedure, but don’t let your nerves get in the way of getting the dental care you need. The caring dental team at SPA Dental Group led by Shebani Pahwa, DDS, Maham Siddiqui, DDS, and Samantha Ben-Ezra, DMD, offers sedation dentistry at their offices in Washington, DC, and in Midtown East, Manhattan, in New York, as a way to make your procedure more relaxing. When you call or book your appointment online, let the staff know you’re interested in sedation options. They’ll help you decide which type will keep you the most comfortable.

Sedation Dentistry Q&A

When would I need sedation dentistry?

It really depends on each patient. It’s common to need some form of sedation for major dental procedures, like dental implants and root canals. But these aren’t the only times you may need sedation during your dental appointment. Some patients may have anxiety or worry around dental visits.

Maybe the smells make you nauseous, or the sound of the drill makes you dizzy. If this sounds familiar, sedation dentistry could be an option for you.

In some cases, patients ask for sedation for something completely unrelated to their dental procedure. For instance, if you have severe back pain or trouble lying back in a dental chair, light sedation can make your dental experience more comfortable.

Which types of sedation are available at the dentist?

SPA Dental Group offers the most advanced forms of sedation, so you have several safe options available.

Nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, is the most common type of sedation. You simply breathe in the gas through your nose as you drift into a euphoric state. This type of sedation is often preferred, not only because it helps you relax, but also because it’s the only type that wears off quickly. You’ll be able to drive yourself home after your treatment.

Oral sedation is also available at SPA Dental Group. With oral sedation, you just have to take a pill that is prescribed to you, 30-60 minutes prior to your dental appointment. Patients report that being sedated can make a three-hour procedure seem as if it took just five minutes. Typically, patients who take oral sedatives will become drowsy but will stay awake. For this reason, patients should plan to have a designated driver to and from their dental appointment.

Will I be asleep when I am sedated at the dentist?

Possibly, but you won’t be unconscious. No matter which type of sedation you choose, you’ll feel completely relaxed. While you can communicate and should know what’s going on, it’s possible that you’ll be so comfortable, that you fall asleep. Even if you do stay awake, you might not have any recollection of your dental procedure.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment with a team member at SPA Dental Group online or over the phone today.

What we offer